For three years, Sedzro Thomas watched his vision slowly worsen.
Thomas is a fisherman and a father of two from Benin. Fishing is how he provides for his family, but as the sight in his left eye deteriorated, the work he depended on became increasingly difficult.
Eventually, even recognizing the faces of his own children from a distance became hard.
Then a pastor, a doctor, and a journey to Atakpamé, Togo, connected Thomas with Sight.org and an opportunity to receive cataract surgery.
When Poor Vision Affected His Work and Family
Thomas’s eye problems began with pain in his left eye. He went to a hospital and was prescribed eye drops and later glasses, but his vision did not improve.
Over time, fishing became more difficult.
Because he could not see as clearly, Thomas went out to fish less often. He sometimes stumbled while walking and struggled to recognize people from a distance.
For Thomas, one of the hardest parts was not being able to clearly see his two children.
The loss of vision also created practical challenges for his family. With Thomas fishing less regularly, their income decreased, making it harder to cover food and other basic needs.
His eyesight was no longer affecting only him. It was affecting the people who depended on him.
A Pastor Helps Thomas Find Another Option
Thomas’s pastor knew about his vision problems and took him to see another doctor.
This time, Thomas was diagnosed with a cataract.
The doctor explained that surgery could help and told Thomas about a free surgical outreach in Atakpamé through Sight.org.
At first, Thomas was unsure. The idea that the surgery could be provided at no cost was difficult for him to believe.
But he needed help, so he decided to go.
Thomas traveled from Benin to Togo for the surgery.
Cataract Surgery in Atakpamé
When Thomas arrived, the Sight.org team welcomed him and explained what would happen.
He described the team as kind and professional, and the surgery went well.
Then came the moment he had hoped for.
The next day, the bandage was removed.
Thomas could see clearly with his left eye again.
Sight.org staff remembered the moment well. As Thomas opened his eye and looked around, a large smile appeared on his face.
After three years of struggling with poor vision, he could see again.
Returning to Life as a Fisherman and Father
For Thomas, restored sight means returning to the responsibilities and relationships that matter most to him.
He can recognize his children’s faces clearly again. He can walk without the same fear of stumbling and feels more confident moving through daily life.
He can also return to fishing more regularly and provide for his wife and children with fewer of the limitations caused by his cataract.
The change has brought relief not only to Thomas, but to his whole family.
Thomas was deeply grateful to the Sight.org team and everyone who helped make his surgery possible.
Stories like his are possible because of the people who pray, serve, give, and stand alongside Sight.org’s work in Togo.
Because of you, Thomas can see his children clearly again and return to the work that helps provide for his family. Thank you.
